Post by: Bearhide on June 27, 2013, 02:14:40 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 27, 2013, 02:17:58 PM
Post by: Southpole on June 27, 2013, 02:20:01 PM
Post by: WSU on June 27, 2013, 02:21:01 PM
Post by: snowpack on June 27, 2013, 02:24:47 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 27, 2013, 02:25:05 PM
Muzzleloaders also require more dedication and more shooting time to work up an accurate load and to get sighted in properly. The biggest drawback in my mind is the open sights. Second drawback is you never know if it's actually going to fire.
Post by: bullcanyon on June 27, 2013, 02:26:07 PM
Post by: snowpack on June 27, 2013, 02:27:53 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 27, 2013, 02:30:27 PM
Post by: bobcat on June 27, 2013, 02:34:29 PM
Muzzy also offers the fewest GMUs, and from my experience they have been the most crowded.
Good point- very few GMU's are open. And virtually nothing for late season if you have an east side tag.
Post by: combs338 on June 27, 2013, 02:37:50 PM
Probably because it requires the least amount of effort of the 3 to do. Not that a rifle hunter don't put in their time, but generally archery and ml take a lot more practice and time to be successful with.
Watch it, I resemble that comment.....
Post by: lostbackpacker on June 27, 2013, 02:50:05 PM
I wanted my son to be able to enjoy hunting with his grandpa(rifle hunter). I believe it is important for my son to experience time with family out in the woods.
When my father in law is no longer able to hunt, we will go back to archery.
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 27, 2013, 02:53:05 PM
Archery takes more dedication, as you need to practice shooting on a regular basis. With a rifle you can never practice and still be good out to at least 200 yards.
Muzzleloaders also require more dedication and more shooting time to work up an accurate load and to get sighted in properly. The biggest drawback in my mind is the open sights. Second drawback is you never know if it's actually going to fire.
:yeah: I would say that 80-90% of the people who hunt don't have the kind of dedication that a lot of the people on this site have with regards to hunting. The average hunter is a rifle guy who shoots less than a box of ammo in preparation for his hunt. You don't need a whole bunch of camo, scents, etc. Archery is expensive as heck. Even a mid-range bow like I have is $500 before you put anything on it or buy arrows. Dozen arrows - $100, sight - 100, Arrow rest - 100, quiver - 100, stabilizer - 50, target - 150. Rifle - 500, bullets - 20, scope - 200 - done. No camo, no special anything
Post by: vandeman17 on June 27, 2013, 02:54:31 PM
At least for me, it is a totally different reason than any listed above. I used to archery hunt and was successful. My son was 7 at the time and I could not effectively hunt(hard) with a 7 year old toting along. Also, my father in law was getting up in years.
I wanted my son to be able to enjoy hunting with his grandpa(rifle hunter). I believe it is important for my son to experience time with family out in the woods.
When my father in law is no longer able to hunt, we will go back to archery.
I agree with that and actually hunted rifle for deer the past few years so that I could hunt with my dad. I finally got him to pick up archery and he is hooked. He sends me a text or a picture after he shoots to keep me updated. He is starting to shoot better then me! :yike:
Post by: JohnVH on June 27, 2013, 03:07:38 PM
Post by: snowpack on June 27, 2013, 03:14:48 PM
Post by: Rooster1981 on June 27, 2013, 03:16:05 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 27, 2013, 03:26:45 PM
Rangeand a sure kill most the time. I like knowing when I have an animal in my cross hairs it's game over. Archery and muzzy you never know. But I prefer archery then muzzy, rifle last, except with a late mule deer tag I'd want my .300 win mag for that hunt.
Post by: deerslyr on June 27, 2013, 06:38:06 PM
Post by: Mudman on June 27, 2013, 06:45:45 PM
Post by: steen on June 27, 2013, 07:15:57 PM
Post by: jstone on June 27, 2013, 07:33:11 PM
Post by: kglacken on June 27, 2013, 07:43:17 PM
Probably because it requires the least amount of effort of the 3 to do. Not that a rifle hunter don't put in their time, but generally archery and ml take a lot more practice and time to be successful with.:yeah: Anyone can pick up a bow and walk through the woods. It takes dedication and skill to be successful with a bow. Not saying it doesnt take skill to rifle hunt, but I think archery hunters have so many more variables they have to handle. and it takes a lot more practice!
"Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft."
Post by: yorketransport on June 27, 2013, 07:54:43 PM
The biggest reason I hunt modern is because I'm a gun guy. I just love hunting class rifles and handguns. Hunting modern firearm give me an excuse to get new guns. :tup:
Andrew
Post by: rtspring on June 27, 2013, 07:59:21 PM
Post by: mtman on June 27, 2013, 08:14:47 PM
Post by: Alan K on June 27, 2013, 08:17:48 PM
Post by: Bearhide on June 27, 2013, 08:42:54 PM
Post by: slowhand on June 27, 2013, 08:53:28 PM
Started with the bow and miss it still very much.
Changed to the rifle so i could go with my Grandpa (before he passed) and Uncle. Now I find Myself still hunting with the rifle
because it is easier when you have three boys with you. I want them to experience success early.
It take quite a while to get good with the bow when you start at 10 years old.
My favorite gun in still My T/C Blackdiamond XR. (Of all My guns, I am shocked at how far I can hit the target with open sights)
I Can always count on My Remington 760 in 30-06 to take down any thing I point it at .
I started with fingers on the Bow and I will never change.
My :twocents:
Post by: Slowdraw on June 27, 2013, 11:33:33 PM
I wish I could still archery, that's my real passion.
Post by: Nice Racks on June 28, 2013, 03:00:17 PM
Post by: runamuk on June 28, 2013, 03:10:47 PM
Just to throw it out there why is there more rifle hunters rather than muzzy or archery? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Rifle hunter myself, but been thinking going to a stick flicker maybe.I cant pull a bow of washington legal draw weight for big game is why I switched to rifle...it isnt easier to kill with either...this will be season 4 or 5 maybe this will be my year..to date I've killed more rodents with hammers than anything else with a gun :dunno:
Post by: MadHatter on June 28, 2013, 05:09:14 PM
Post by: 400out on June 28, 2013, 05:16:41 PM
Post by: big wood on June 28, 2013, 08:03:08 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on June 29, 2013, 06:24:05 AM
Leaning towards more hunting with traditional smokepole - Challenge, multiple seasons, like the smell of powder :chuckle: Supplies are easier to find :dunno:
Modern - It's what I grew up with. I like the later seasons. I have too many reloading supplies not too :o It can be as challenging as you care to make it.
Post by: ICEMAN on June 29, 2013, 06:38:34 AM
Post by: pope on June 29, 2013, 07:06:50 AM
I do like the cool temperatures and hunting deer close to the rut. The shorter season is OK because I can't take much time off anyway, and hunting nine days (not full) last year caused plenty of friction in the home. I would like to shoot in the back yard and have considered archery for that reason.
I'll tell you what I hate about rifle: getting scoped! It happened to me two years in a row (out of three seasons), so for this year I'm hunting in a spot where nobody goes.
Post by: mpetersen on June 29, 2013, 10:19:14 AM
Post by: black hog on June 29, 2013, 01:03:49 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 30, 2013, 08:18:57 AM
Post by: PolarBear on June 30, 2013, 08:30:42 AM
Rifle is much easier.:yeah:
Far too many people do not want to put out the effort to become skilled with a bow.
Post by: Bhunter253 on June 30, 2013, 08:38:16 AM
Post by: TheFewTheProud on June 30, 2013, 08:42:55 AM
Post by: Rooster1981 on July 01, 2013, 02:49:00 PM
Never understood it.. U get these rifle guys crying year after year on here how crappy the draws are.. Well what do u expect when your trying to pull a blues rifle tag!! Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how lucky you are to draw a tag. Points or no point system it doesn't matter it's luck! If people were serious about wanting a big bull tag they would pick up a muzzy. I get not picking up a bow a whole mother animal, but a muzzy is not. Not to include the draw tags for quality bull tags for muzzy are in a great season. People just don't have the real desire like some to pick up another weapon to better your chances. I own all 3 weapons and have hunted with all 3 in this state and outta state.
:yeah:
Post by: et1702 on July 01, 2013, 03:45:03 PM
I like all three, but prefer archery! Started hunting 38 years ago; 2 years w/rifle, two years w/muzzy, and then mostly archery ever since. When my son was old enough, I did pick up rifle again and took him and Bro-in-law out during rifle seasons for a few years. But, mostly just played guide to get their animals. Been hunting exclusively w/bow again for past 10 to 12 years. So far, never had to use more than one arrow to take numerous elk, deer, bears, etc. So, as others have said, practice and proficiency are critical w/archery gear. Plus, only ETHICAL shots should be taken. Let'em walk otherwise.
Post by: kerrdog on July 01, 2013, 04:55:17 PM
This will be my third year Elk hunting on the West side. (I took one year out to hunt modern rifle moose in AK. No, I didn't get one. :'()
Muzzleloader is much more challenging than I would have expected. Finding the proper load and sighting-in has been a never ending process for me. :bash: But I think I'm getting close with my new rifle.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 01, 2013, 05:48:08 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on July 01, 2013, 06:34:57 PM
So muzzy for elk and modern fo deer. Just do not have the time for a bow.
Post by: Bigdaddy on July 01, 2013, 09:29:03 PM
Bought a used bow last year, and have been getting into it to see if it's for me, jury still out.
Post by: huntnnw on July 01, 2013, 09:49:04 PM
Post by: jennyfell55 on July 01, 2013, 10:11:42 PM
Very similar to this one
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi164.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu12%2Fkawaker900%2F122_2225.jpg&hash=00d9d38503b8629357d3dfbd52615bfa845d2ca9)
Post by: kerrdog on July 02, 2013, 06:52:20 AM
For me its about where you live, and where I live muzzle loader is the best season, 6 days early, and 15 days late, on the west side where I hunt it's also pretty thick so there is no need for long range shooting. I grow up rifle hunting, but have been hunting elk with my muzzle loader for 10 or better years, I still hunt deer with my rifle on the East side, I must say, there is something about hunting with my rifle that I do really enjoy.
Bought a used bow last year, and have been getting into it to see if it's for me, jury still out.
:yeah:
Sounds like I might see you up in Ryderwood, the in Coweeman if Ryderwood don't work out. :yike:
Post by: snowpack on July 02, 2013, 09:50:33 AM
Post by: Easy-E on July 02, 2013, 04:48:40 PM
And I think rifle hunts are the best bang for the buck (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 02, 2013, 05:45:13 PM
Post by: huntnnw on July 03, 2013, 12:39:01 AM
Post by: Don Fischer on July 03, 2013, 01:48:54 AM
When I hunted, I did not choose a weapon because of it's greater experience needed to master. I did not hunt to see how small a bullet I could kill an animal with and I did not choose a single shot to limit my shots and make the first one count. I think the best of hunter's use bows and i suspect the best of those use re-curve or long bow's. They limit the practical range of the weapon. Probably the muzzles loader hunter require's more skill also as you do only get one shot and it take's to long to load the second shot. People hunting for food because they really need the food will give themselves every advantage, that is centerfire rifles.
Post by: coachcw on July 03, 2013, 06:17:12 AM
Post by: huntnnw on July 03, 2013, 06:24:02 AM
Post by: kerrdog on July 03, 2013, 07:00:01 AM
I have always been a meat hunter. If Davy Crockett had a choice between his flintlock and a 30-06 which do you think he'd choose? How about an Indian in say 1830. Would you think he'd rather his bow to the same 30-06? The center fire rifle even a 30-30 will give more killing ability at greater distance's and quicker follow up shots. Bow's and flintlocks/caplocks were not weapons of choice. What they were were the best thing at the time. In those days they hunted for food, not sport. Those of you that do hunt with a bow, how many use the compound type as apposed to the long bow or even re-curve? How many muzzle loader hunter's choose the flint lock over the cap lock? Tell you anything?
When I hunted, I did not choose a weapon because of it's greater experience needed to master. I did not hunt to see how small a bullet I could kill an animal with and I did not choose a single shot to limit my shots and make the first one count. I think the best of hunter's use bows and i suspect the best of those use re-curve or long bow's. They limit the practical range of the weapon. Probably the muzzles loader hunter require's more skill also as you do only get one shot and it take's to long to load the second shot. People hunting for food because they really need the food will give themselves every advantage, that is centerfire rifles.
I feel there are advantages with a muzzleloader, which is why I hunt with one. Yes, it's one shot (which is the least of my worries), but I get in before the modern rifle mobs, I get two Elk seasons, and our hunting areas are very dense, limiting the effectiveness of a scope, and long range shots. Plus, I'll pass on a shot if it's not a good one, regardless of weapon.
I'd guess some bow hunters feel they also have an advantage since they can hunt the rut, bugle to locate animals, and call in a bull. And what fun! I'm gonna try that someday myself.
Yes, I'm gonna make you look at it again. :kneel:
Post by: Mudman on July 03, 2013, 07:33:10 AM
Post by: snowpack on July 03, 2013, 09:43:44 AM
Todays front stuffers are as good as a 1 shot rifle. Love them but not the same as they used to be. I think that is why they get the short end of the stick for areas and seasons. Doesn't take much time to reload either. What 20-30 seconds? I could reload my Hawken quickly with speed loaders. I think rifle hunt is more about the kill and tropht typically. To me archery is about the love of outdoors and nature. Time spent and extra attention to details of nature is what I enjoy. Its just not the same experience as rifle hunting to me.That depends on the hunter, not the weapon. There are modern guys using open sighted .45-70s or revolvers or shotguns hunting in the same basic ways as the imagined bowhunter. And there are bowhunters that take rifle style shots on game--using a bow but hunting with it like it is a rifle. They shoot at moving game 100+ yards and road hunting.
Post by: Buckmark on July 03, 2013, 09:53:55 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on July 03, 2013, 10:05:53 AM
Post by: Broken Arrow on July 03, 2013, 10:07:30 AM
Post by: deerslyr on July 04, 2013, 07:40:31 AM
Post by: wiremonkey on July 04, 2013, 09:47:00 AM
Just to throw it out there why is there more rifle hunters rather than muzzy or archery? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Rifle hunter myself, but been thinking going to a stick flicker maybe.
I hunt modern firearm because I hunt with my dad and my uncle. If I switch weapons I loose that time with them. I have been trying to pique some interest in muzzy with them but that will probably never take, which is alright with me. I am very fond of my .270 WSM ;)
Post by: biggfish on July 04, 2013, 12:51:21 PM
Post by: Jimmy33 on July 04, 2013, 05:55:19 PM